The Mercury Issue 1540

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

Legendary ‘Man with the

Sheffield’s John Burkhill, otherwise know as the “Man with the Pram”, has been recognised for his remarkable fundraising achievements at this year’s Pride of Britain awards.

John, who has become well known for pushing a pram around the streets of Sheffield as well as completing long-distance races up and down the country in his distinctive green wig, was named Fundraiser of the Year at the ITV awards.

The 84-year-old has raised more than £1million for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his wife June, who died of cancer, and daughter Karen.

PraM” is the Pride of britain

He was presented with his award at a starstudded event hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo at London’s Grosvenor House last Sunday night (8th October).

John said he never imagined he would be taking to a stage with his pram, which he bought in 1964 to carry his daughter.

He admitted that he was “shaking like a leaf” when he picked up the award. “I had no idea I had won.

I told my fundraising manager I wouldn’t go anywhere without my pram. And at the last minute he said you can take your pram. And I still had no inclination I would

win anything like that,” he added.

Legendary broadcaster

Angela Rippon was part of the Strictly Come Dancing team who surprised John on stage. She described his achievements as “extraordinary” and that he “epitomises” the Pride of Britain.

“When I arrived John was with his pram trying to get money out of people when the were getting out of their taxis before they went on the red carpet. He never never stops fundraising,” she said.

It is not the first time

John’s efforts have been recognised. Just last month (September) he was named a “Point of Light” by Prime

Minister Rishi Sunak. He has also been the subject of a film called One in a Million which tells the story of how he has taken part in more than a thousand official events for charity. John started his fundraising journey when he lost his wife to cancer

16 years ago – a year to the day after the unexpected death of their daughter.

He said:” While ever I can put one foot in front of the other I will keep [fundraising] as long as I can. I’m 84 now and I still feel alright so I will keep going.”

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IN THE SPRINGTIME OF ‘24 - BRYAN ADAMS RETURNS TO SHEFFIELD

Bryan adams returns to the Utilita arena

Sheffield on Saturday 18 May 2024 – the 12th time that the canadian rocker has performed at the venue - tickets go on general sale 9am on Friday 13 october 2023 from www. utiltaarenasheffield. co.uk.

One of the most exciting live musicians in the world Bryan Adams is returning to the UK next year for a three-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall in

London following the residency, he will bring his ”So Happy It Hurts” Arena Tour to Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday May 18, one of just three UK dates and will feature tracks from the Grammynominated album studio album, as well as his biggest hits. Bryan Adams has 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts”. His song writing has garnered him

numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy and 20 Juno Awards. Bryan Adams returns to the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday 18 May 2024 – the 12th time that the Canadian rocker has performed at the venue.

Tickets go on general sale 9am on Friday 13 October 2023 from www. utiltaarenasheffield. co.uk.

Crossword Clues

I can’t find my ‘Gone In 60 seconds’ DVD. It was here a minute ago.

Instead of water, I accidentally put RedBull in the the back of my coffee maker this morning. I was halfway to work before I realized I forgot my car. My son might not be the best roofer in the world. But he is up there.

I built a model of Mount Everest and my son asked, “Is it to scale?” I replied, “No…”

“It’s to look at.”

An old lady walked into the bank and asked me if I could help her check her balance. So I pushed her over.

I saw my ex girlfriend standing on the other end of the museum hall, but I was too self conscious to go say hello. There was just too much history between us.

Whenever my artist girlfriend is sad I let her draw things on my body.

I gave her a shoulder to crayon.

My wife told me I had to stop acting like a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.

Don’t throw sodium chloride at people. That’s a salt.

I just found out that Aaargghhh is not a real word. I can’t tell you how angry I am at this.

Today I spotted an albino Dalmatian.It was the least I could do for him.

I went for an interview. They said, “Can you perform under pressure?”

I said “I’m not sure about that but I can have a good crack at Bohemian Rhapsody”.

11/10/2002 - A bomb attack in a shopping mall in Vantaa, Finland kills seven.

12/10/1266 - King John of England loses his crown jewels in The Wash, probably near Fosdyke, perhaps near Sutton Bridge.

13/10/1923 - Ankara replaces Istanbul as the capital of Turkey.

14/10/1586 - Mary, Queen of Scots, goes on trial

20) Alone (4)

21) Umbrage (4)

Last Week’s Solution

across: 7) Ante, 8) Opulence, 9) Lousy kicker, 11) Anon, 12) Abnormal, 13) Reveller, 15) Seal, 16) Breadcrumbs, 18) Stiletto, 19) Dial

DoWN: 1) Uncounted, 2) Season, 3) Cocktail party, 4) Subcontractor, 5) Veneer, 6) Ice, 10) Canal boat, 14) Enrols, 15) Sturdy, 17) Ate

for conspiracy against Elizabeth I of England.

15/10/1888 - The “From Hell” letter sent by Jack the Ripper is received by investigators.

16/10/1984 - Desmond Tutu is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

17/10/1933 - Albert Einstein flees Nazi Germany and moves to the United States.

1. Which American folklore creature, also known as ‘Sasquatch’ is said to inhabit the forests of North America?

2. What is the name of the Queen’s daughter?

3. The book ‘Hogwarts Classics’ is a spinoff from which book series?

4. ‘The Greatest Show’ is a song performed in which musical?

5. Ron Wayne joined Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in founding which company in April 1976?

6. Generally, what colour are Bourbon biscuits?

7. The story of the ‘Clash of the Titans’ comes from which mythology?

8. Which actress voices the Frozen character Princess Anna as an adult?

9. Which multi-spindle spinning frame, one of the key developments of the industrialisation of textile manufacturing, was invented in 1765 in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire?

10. Which British society formed in 1870 provides help for people in crisis, both in the UK and overseas?

News, Information and Advice

betterpoints scHeme

A free app which allows you to turn your steps, cycle rides, bus trips and more into shopping vouchers or donations to local charities has just launched in Sheffield.

The Better Points Sheffield scheme aims to encourage residents across the city to choose active travel to get around wherever and whenever possible. The initiative has already been trialled by the University of Sheffield, with 27% of their staff now choosing to walk or cycle to work, and is now being rolled out across the rest of the city this month. Cllr

Miskell said: “We’re so pleased to be rolling out the BetterPoints app across Sheffield, following the success the University of Sheffield has seen so far. We want to offer people in Sheffield a genuine choice about how they travel around the city and it is fantastic to be able to give people even more incentives to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible. An increase in active travel journeys will improve our air quality in the city, reduce levels of congestion and support everyone’s wellbeing. This is also a brilliant opportunity to support some of the fantastic businesses and charities across the city.”

BetterPoints Sheffield manager Jack Windle, said: “We know people who walk, cycle or take public transport to work are happier and healthier, but what we also know is that those people pass and visit local shops, cafes and other businesses to spend their money locally.

BetterPoints Sheffield will reward people for making healthier journeys – and those rewards can be spent at local businesses or donated to fantastic local causes like The Children’s

servicemen Honoured

Hospital Charity.” James Merryclough from the University of Sheffield has seen how the scheme has helped in the University’s aim to increase sustainable travel, and points out the benefits the users feel from walking, running, bussing or cycling more of their journeys. In the four years the scheme has been running at the University of Sheffield, over 2.5 million sustainable trips have been recorded, with 3,500 vouchers redeemed at university catering outlets in the last year.

The scheme has replaced almost three quarters of a million car trips by journeys on foot, on bikes or by public transport.

BetterPoints Sheffield aims to scale this success up across the city. It is free to join for everyone who lives, works or studies in Sheffield and is supported by the University, the local NHS trusts and Sheffield City Council.

To join in, download the free BetterPoints app and use it to record journeys made on foot, by bike, in a wheelchair, or by bus, tram or train. Green and healthy trips earn BetterPoints, which can be exchanged for Sheffield City Centre Gift Cards, spent at participating local businesses, or donated to local charities. Regular drivers can use the app to help them switch any shorter trips that can be made by other means.

Everyone who signs up before Monday 30 October can pick their preferred prize draw for the chance to win a £100 Sheffield City Centre Gift Card or a £2,000 electric bike.

For more information and to download the app, visit sheffield.betterpoints.uk

His Majesty’s LordLieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, officially appointed the 2023 Lord-Lieutenant Cadets of South Yorkshire and presented LordLieutenant Awards to individuals for exceptional commitment to services in the cadet and reserve forces. The event was attended by the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, The Deputy Mayor of Barnsley, The Mayor Of Doncaster and The Civic Mayor of Doncaster.

The Lord-Lieutenant Award recognises cadets, cadet adult volunteers, reservists and military civilian support staff for their extraordinary efforts and supplements honours bestowed by His Majesty The King in the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists.

Cadets awarded become one of the LordLieutenant’s Cadets of their county supporting the Lord-Lieutenant at many ceremonial duties throughout the year. Duties can range from Royal Visits to services such as Remembrance Day. To receive this, cadets must be of the highest standard with excellent bearing, good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with others. Recipients should hold the rank of at least Able Cadet or Cadet Sergeant and should have been a cadet for at least two years. This award is the highest honour a cadet can achieve and offers opportunities unique only to the cadets recognised as Lord-Lieutenant Cadets.

The Lord-Lieutenant Award is also given to adult volunteers of any rank serving in the reserves and cadet forces and specifically recognise exceptional service rather than the length of time served as well as to military-civilian support staff for their work in the forces.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman

DBE said: It is a pleasure to celebrate this year’s individuals receiving

the Lord-Lieutenant Award. Their exceptional work and contributions are a true measure of their commitment to public service. The cadets awarded have demonstrated outstanding skills and dedication to their duties, the adult volunteers have selflessly helped deliver our youth programmes and the reservists honoured this evening have made an extraordinary impact on the armed forces.

As Lord-Lieutenant for South Yorkshire, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the award recipients for all their notable achievements to the public and the military community. The following individuals were recognised for their outstanding service:

Reserves

Sergeant Peter Tipping, 75 Engineer Regiment, 106 Field Squadron Royal Engineers Corporal Stephen Henderson, 4th Battalion

The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Burma Company, Barnsley Cadet volunteers Warrant Officer Class 2 Kirandeep Kundi, Eastern Area Sea Cadets, South Yorkshire Staff Sergeant Instructor Stephen Brightmore, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, Greenhill Detachment Squadron Leader Barry French, South and West Yorkshire Wing RAF Air Cadets Cadets Cadet Corporal Shania Roche-Dowdall, Sea Cadet, TS Sheffield Cadet Staff Sergeant Charley Foster-Tomlinson ACF Cadet, Adwick detachment

Cadet Flight Sergeant Joseph Doszczeczko ATC Cadet, South & West Yorkshire Wing, 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron

family business offers complete funeral service

Eric Eyre Funeral Service understands how difficult the process of planning a funeral for a loved one can be and offer a bespoke funeral service, whilst continuing to uphold traditional values.

Established since 1864, Eric took over the business in 1955 and has been looking after families in the local community and surrounding areas of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham ever since, with branches at High Green and Sheffield Lane Top.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and with decades of experience in guiding bereaved clients through this difficult time, Eric Eyre provide a professional yet personal service, caring for you and your loved ones while facilitating the necessary funeral arrangements and ensuring your wishes are carried out with care and compassion. Eric Eyre go the extra mile to provide an exceptional service and will take responsibility for ensuring everything is perfectly organised to deliver a fitting tribute to your loved one’s life story. “Just as other aspects of life have evolved, so has society’s approach to funerals, with modern funerals a very different affair to the traditional, formal black-tie events of years gone by,” says Wayne Pickering, manager at Eric Eyre Funeral Service. “For many, a funeral has moved from being a sombre affair to a celebration of life – complete with all that you’d expect from any other celebration, including music, entertainment and laughter. That is why we are always on hand to offer guidance on the many ways we can add a personal touch, just let us know what you would like and we will do our utmost to meet your requirements.” “

With over 20 years’ experience of the industry, and many years’ previous experience with John Fairest, Wayne was offered the opportunity to join Eric as

manager in 2017, “I joined John Fairest as a hearse driver in 1997 and was later promoted to funeral director. It was there that I learnt how to arrange and conduct funerals, as well as the correct way to handle and line coffins and how to prepare the deceased for the family to pay their respects. This gave me a full scope of all aspects of the job and after ten years of service I was offered the position of manager at a new branch on Abbey Lane, which I accepted.

In September 2017 I was offered the opportunity to join the team at Eric Eyre’s and to ‘move back home’, as I say, as I live local to both branches. It was, and still is, a fantastic opportunity for me to grow and develop an already friendly family run business and provide our local community with a warm and compassionate service.”

Completing the team at High Green is Sharon Clayton and Kay Cooper, while Beverley Travis and Ruth Fenlon look after the branch at Sheffield Lane Top, which opened four years ago.

“Our aim is to be there for our clients in every way that we can and make sure that their loved one is sent on their final journey exactly as they would have wanted. Your first point of contact will be the person you deal with throughout the process and whether the death has occurred at home, in a hospital or elsewhere, we will guide from the initial arrangement all the way through to directing the funeral. We even provide help following the service, should you need any further support or guidance.”

If you need help arranging a funeral for your loved one, contact Eric Eyre Funeral Service.

First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham since 1955.

Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top we offer a bespoke funeral service upholding traditional values whilst progressing to cater for modern, personalised customer requirements.

Crystal Peaks sponsors St Luke’s winter raffle 2023

Crystal Peaks shopping centre has been confirmed as the official sponsor of the 2023 St Luke’s Hospice Winter Raffle.

This year’s raffle, which will be drawn on December 13, includes a top cash prize of £2,500, as well as other prizes of £1,500, £750 and £250.

For anybody buying tickets before October 27, there’s also a chance to win a £100 M&S gift card.

The 2023 Winter Raffle campaign is being fronted by St Luke’s Staff Nurse Elliot Stonehouse, who

explained: “I feel honoured to support patients and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

“We help to control symptoms, alleviate pain and give the best possible quality of life and we are here to provide the best possible care - but none of what we do would be possible without our supporters.

“Whether you play our Lottery, do a sponsored run, set up a regular gift or support our charity shops, you are helping to ensure that we can support families across Sheffield living with a terminal illness.

“We support 6,000 people each year and need to raise £9 million this year to keep providing that care - both on our In Patient Centre and while supporting people in their own homes and through our Patient and Family Support services.

“An easy way to support St Luke’s

is by buying tickets for our Winter Raffle. Every year our raffles raise thousands of pounds for our patient care, while giving you the change to win some fantastic prizes, including £2,500 cash just in time for the festive season!”

Tickets for the St Luke’s Winter Raffle, which cost just £1 each, are available to buy now from all St Luke’s shops, including Crystal Peaks, and at www.stlukeslotterysheffield.org.uk/raffle

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

FRIDAY

13TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 7:30PM • TICKETS £23

Genesis Connected is a tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics. This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including; Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more. The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only an incredibly versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer just like Phil Collins, So expect the show to include the iconic “double drums” element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour.

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 2:30PM TICKETS: TICKETS £10

An afternoon of musical ‘royalty’ when Howard Beaumont - Scarborough’s ‘King of the Keyboards’ joins forces with Britain’s Got Talent’s ‘Queen of the Keys’ - Jean Martyn to perform an afternoon of popular music on the Paramount’s mighty Compton organ. There’ll be plenty of show-stopping music and a unique opportunity to hear both artistes perform together featuring the Compton organ and grand piano.

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

Sheffield’S MuSic in The GardenS feSTival endS due To riSinG coSTS

The BBC has reported that a longrunning annual music festival has folded, with organisers citing rising costs and a lack of volunteers.

James, UB40 and The Proclaimers were some of the big name acts to perform at Music in the Gardens, held at Sheffield Botanical Gardens for 20 years.

In February, organisers announced the 2023 festival would be cancelled, but have now said the show has been permanently ended. Organiser Andrew Bates said the event could no longer draw “topline acts”.

Stage being erectedImage source, Organisers thanked “all the Rotary

Clubs, volunteers, and suppliers who started, continued, and assisted the event throughout the years”

In a statement, show organisers said: “After raising over £500,000 for local charities, Music in the Gardens has folded and will not be returning.

“The costs of staging the event, the rapidly inflating costs of artists, the tightening restrictions imposed on the requirements of outdoor venues, have made the event untenable.

“Add to that the lack of willing volunteers prepared to give an extensive amount of time required means the organisation has folded.”

Mr Bates said: “I think that when you get to the position where you can’t get it as good as the previous year you start looking at yourself and say ‘well, what are we doing this for?’

“It was great to do it for the charities, but it was becoming more difficult to get the acts that we needed to bring the crowds in.”

Organisers of the summer event thanked organisations and volunteers who had previously helped stage the festival and said:

“It’s with a heavy heart mixed with pride and a sense of achievement that we say goodbye and thank you.

“It’s been a blast.”

noMinaTionS for Pub deSign awardS

The search is on to find the bestlooking pubs in the UK as the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) gears up to launch its Pub Design Awards.

People are now being encouraged to nominate the most impressive examples of recent work to pubs – whether an outstanding refurbishment, a clever conversion or the construction of an entirely new pub. The next winners could be on your doorstep!

Held in conjunction with Historic England, these prestigious and much sought-after awards look to reward the highest standards of design in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs, as well as new built pubs and conversions to pub use. Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, the awards were first established in 1983. And in that time, a wide range of pubs the length and breadth of the UK have been honoured and a spotlight put

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

on their impressive achievements and hard work. Each of our winners have a story to tell; all underpinned with examples of people’s dedication and commitment which deserves to be honoured. Whether a brand-new pub, or one restored to reflect its rich history and heritage, CAMRA wants to hear from you. There are five different categories of award, and pubs can be entered in single or multiple categories:

• New Build: An award for newly built pubs, whether reflecting traditional design or completely modern.

• Conversion to Pub Use: Outstanding conversions of buildings which were built for other purposes.

• Refurbishment: An award for flair, quality and originality in pub renovation.

• Historic England Conservation: Sponsored by HE, this award is given for work which conserves what is good in the pub whilst upgrading its facilities to give it a viable future.

• Community Local: Reserved for outstanding refurbishments of ‘street-corner locals’. Andrew Davison, Chair of CAMRA’s

Pub Design Awards says: “There are so many fine examples across the UK of excellent new pubs, conversions to pub use, and refurbishments of existing pubs which we want to celebrate and highlight. The Pub Design Awards are a wonderful opportunity for proud owners and managers to showcase the flair, originality and quality of design and workmanship that they have put into their pubs. “In addition, the publicity the awards give encourages pub lovers along with design and heritage enthusiasts to pay a visit to these inspirational buildings.” The Pub Design Awards are open to all UK pubs, and anyone can nominate. Entrants may be asked to provide additional photographs and plans of the building; therefore, the licensee should be aware of and approve the entry. To enter the awards, work will need to have been completed between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. The competition is free to enter and closes on 19 November. To enter and see examples of previous winners, please visit: https://camra. org.uk/what-we-do/pub-designawards/

FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 7:30PM • TICKETS £22 / £20

Concessions

THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2023

SHOWS AT 2:30PM & 7:30PM - TICKETS: TICKETS £22

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

If

audiences worldwide with their beautiful harmonies, brilliant choreography and over 100 stunning costumes reflecting each era. An unforgettable show packed with fun, energy, and a few laughs along the way.

you are looking for the ‘Ultimate Feel Good Experience’, this show is not to be missed! Enjoy this slick, fast moving and vibrant show, bringing you some of the greatest songs ever written, performed by a cast of world class singers and dancers. Re-live the fantastic sounds of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s presented in the unique ‘Timeless’ style. This highly acclaimed production continues to captivate

The laugh-a-minute ROCKTACULAR experience is back! Featuring a superb 7-piece band, with world class musicians and phenomenal singers, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Prince, Meat Loaf, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! You’d be ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ if you miss it! A show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan! Experience an evening that will awaken nostalgia, have you laughing till your sides hurt, dancing in the

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY

Coronation Street:

The Platt family are stunned when Sarah breaks the news of Stephen defrauding Audrey and drugging Carla. DS Swain learns that Stephen brought forward his flight from Manchester to Bangkok to today and hurries to the airport to intercept him. Sally feels sick and worries that Stephen has hurt Tim, or worse, murdered him! Carla is stunned to discover that Underworld’s bank account had been cleared out... but who will be the one to stop Stephen in his tracks, and who could become his next victim? No one in Weatherfield is safe. As the shocked residents come to terms with the fact that they have a murderer in their midst, the hunt is on to find Stephen before he can add to his death toll - or are they already too late?

Emmerdale: Lives were left hanging in the balance - quite literally - when Chloe’s car crashed and was left teetering over the edge of a quarry - with her and love rival Charity trapped inside. But as the car started to slip further over the edge he had just to make a snap decision whether to save his fiancée or former wife. Seconds later, the vehicle plummeted to the ground. Did Mack manage to pull one of the ladies to safety, or were they both still inside? Cain and Caleb are racing against time to rescue Chas from the clutches of gangster, Harry. The duo take action as they fight to regain control and destroy Harry once and for all. Will they defeat their enemy or is this one war they can’t win? Suni comes to a realisation regarding recent events.

Eastenders:

Keanu is horrified when Sharon drops a MASSIVE bombshell! Furious with Sharon, Karen later has a shouting match with her in the Queen Vic. However it seems that Sharon might not be as ‘over’ Keanu as she’s making out when she confides in Kathy Cotton that she’s still in love with her onetime toyboy! Harvey is very impressed when best mate Rocky reveals he’s had a big win on the gee-gees! Things are about to get serious, however, when it turns out boxing promoter Dorian is dodgy... He hints to Rocky that the boxing night is fixed and if he places a bet it will make him serious cash. Is Rocky about to lose everything?

FREECASHOFFER

BASHAM “DEVASTATED” BY INjURY

Sheffield United’s

Chris Basham says he is “devastated” by the severe lower-leg injury he suffered in his team’s 3-1 loss at Fulham last Saturday.

The 35-year-old centreback, who has had the first of two planned operations, sustained the injury to his standing leg as he attempted a cross in the first half.

Basham also thanked Fulham defender Tim Ream for the support he offered.

“[I] would like to thank the football world for their support,” Basham said.

“[Thanks to] all my close friends and family, to Sheffield United for

BACK TO BASICS

Caretaker manager Neil Thompson said the Owls went back to basics following the stalemate with Huddersfield on Saturday.

A maiden home clean sheet of the new Championship season yielded a hard-earned point and Thompson explained the importance of putting that building block in place:

taking care of me and for their support in the process, [and to] Tim Ream for being there and putting football aside.”

In the Instagram post, Basham added: “[I] had my first operation to clean things up and will have a second this week to make things right.”

The Blades captain said he would provide further updates in coming weeks.

The Premier League match was stopped for more than 10 minutes while Basham received treatment, with Fulham’s Ream the first person to offer support. Among the messages of support from fellow footballers, Ream replied to Basham’s Instagram

“We went back to basics today and getting that clean sheet was vital, it’s the foundation of everything you need to for a team to succeed.

“It wasn’t the best game in terms of chances, I don’t think either keeper was really worked, but from our point of view, that clean sheet is a big positive.

“The lads gave it everything they had and left everything on the pitch. We’d like to have nicked it but you have to make sure if you don’t win it, you don’t lose it.”

Thompson shuffled his

post: “Thinking of you pal! Rest up and get right.”

Basham was carried off the pitch on a stretcher to a standing ovation, as the away supporters chanted his name.

He responded by waving to the crowd and giving a thumbs-up before leaving the pitch in an ambulance.

After the match, both managers paid tribute to Basham and praised other players on the field for their professionalism.

Basham, who has also had spells at Blackpool and Bolton, was making his 394th appearance for United, for whom he has played since 2014.

“He was not in a state to

pack at Hillsborough and had no concerns over the selection process, noting ‘it’s part of the job’. He added: “I’ve been asked to step in and take today’s game, I’ve done it before and you can’t be afraid of making decisions, it’s part of the job.

speak. He was on gas and air when he left and he is in hospital now,” Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Sport.

“Everyone could see it was a horrendous injury. He is with the right people now he is in hospital. We will touch base and see how he is.

“Our thoughts are with him. Injuries like that we never want to see, and it does affect the feeling in the football stadium when something like that happens, without a doubt.

“But I don’t think it affected us. We tried to be as professional as we could and continue to fight.”

“Some players had knocks and others were those decisions. You can’t please everyone in the squad, for those that have the shirt they have to hold onto it and for those who haven’t, they have to work hard to get back in, it’s part and parcel of football.”

SEVEN BLADES SET FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Seven Blades are set to report for international duty with their respective countries. Anis Slimane is due to report for duty with Tunisia for friendlies against South Korea and Japan with the games to be played in Seoul and

Kobe respectively.

Adam Davies is one of three goalkeepers named in Rob Page’s Wales squad for a friendly against Gibraltar at Wrexham, followed by a Euro qualifier against Croatia in Cardiff. James McAtee has been

named in Lee Carsley’s England U21 squad for qualifiers against Serbia and Ukraine, the first fixture will be played at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, with the second to take place in Slovakia. Meanwhile, four youngsters are set to earn further recognition during the coming days, with Oliver Arblaster selected in England’s U20s squad for games against Romania and Portugal, with Sai Sachdev named in the Three Lions

U19s group for a trio of fixtures in Montenegro, with Wales and Austria providing the opposition after a match against the tournament hosts. Elsewhere, Levis Pitan is included in Poland’s U19s squad and Ryan Oné, recently signed from Hamilton, will link up with Scotland in the same age group for matches against Republic of Ireland Portugal in Spain.

A point and a clean sheet from Saturday’s home clash with Huddersfield has given the Owls a base from which to build, according to defender Di’Shon Bernard.

The youngster was a standout performer at the back for Wednesday, who were resolute throughout the 90 minutes to post a first shutout on home soil this season.

Although much work is required to overturn our start to the season, Bernard believes the performance is a platform and said:

“We needed the clean sheet as a team. I thought we were hard to beat, nice and aggressive and it’s something we need to build on with plenty more clean sheets to come.

“We needed the positive

Southampton, thanks to Jordan Hugill’s wonder goal.

energy around us from the crowd, it really helped. We definitely need them.”

Heading into the international break, Bernard now joins up with Jamaica for their two 2023/24 CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Granada and Haiti. The former Manchester United man will then link back up with the Owls

SOMETHING TO BUILD ON TAYLOR HAILS MILLERS SPIRIT

Millers boss Matt Taylor was quick to herald the never-say-die spirit of his side as they earned their first Sky Bet Championship away point of the season, at the expense of

McCann determined to end home and away differences

Grant McCann is desperate for Rovers to show the same qualities on the road that they have when at the EcoPower Stadium over the last couple of months. McCann felt Rovers’ concentration in both boxes evaded them in the later stages of the clash with Stockport County, and ultimately led to a

Taylor – who made a brave tactical switch in shape and personnel on the half-hour - saw his injury-hit side fall behind in the opening minutes at St Mary’s Stadium but a combination of Viktor Johansson – who was in superb form in goal – and Hugill’s volleyed equaliser with 16 minutes to go paved the way for the Millers to make the long trek north with a share of spoils.

“I’m not an emotional guy but that certainly 1-0 defeat. And he is determined to get to the bottom of the issue to ensure they find more consistent results, whether home or away.

“We need to show the same concentration levels that we’ve shown at home, particularly recently,” McCann said.

“I said to the lads that if I’d flipped it around and played it at the Eco-Power Stadium, we’d have taken the big chance and there’s no doubt we’d have defended that moment when they scored.

“I don’t know why it has to be different away from home.

“It’s not a physical thing.

touches you a little bit. In terms of the actual game, we were so off the game and the opposition, but we found a way to stay in it. We had to tweak certain aspects as we went through it. In the second half, we were full of spirit and endeavour. We had a little bit of luck and there was a little bit of skill.

“The group was fragile but we kept it at one-nil. A second goal could have killed us. To have the spirit, you also have to have belief on top of it. That was a difficult firsthalf to be a part of but

It’s more a mental thing in the last ten or 15 minutes of games. There were moments when we were slicing at clearances and in the last moments of the game, we were crossing into people rather than putting it into the box.

“Those are the moments that we need to get better at and I’m sure we will.”

McCann was largely pleased with the performance of Rovers on the afternoon but bemoaned “Stockport are a good team on a good run and I thought we limited them to very little,” he said.

“This is a team that scores a lot of goals and apart

squad at Middlewood Road next week as the boys prepare for a trip to Watford.

He continued: “The games before have been our mistakes that have cost us really so it’s just about being hard to beat. I can’t take my foot off the gas, I’m trying to set a good point for me to hit and keep building game by game.

“Saturday was a point to build on and hopefully we can go out and get that win in our next game.”

we stayed in the game with a little bit of luck and good goalkeeping and defending.

“We had to address a few things at half time but we still had to ride our luck against some top quality opposition, like Southampton.

“I think Jordan (Hugill) thought ‘have a little bit of that’ for the goal in terms of not starting for us. I hope it motivated him and I think it did. We want more from Jordan and more from the front line.”

from one mistake, a team mistake where we don’t press we leave Olaofe free in the box.

“It’s a combination of errors that led to the goal.

“Another thing that disappointed me was that we’ve been looking really threatening from set plays but today when we hit the ball there was no real conviction to it.

“Joe Olowu’s header in the second half needed a bit of conviction, or someone getting on the end of one of those touches that Joe Ironside or Tom Anderson had. It could have been a different story.”